SOUTHEND United are hoping to complete a deal for Gomis Bedsente in time for him to figure in tomorrow’s FA Cup second round clash at Chesterfield.

The Senegalise midfielder has been training with Blues since September.

But boss Phil Brown has revealed the club are in talks with the Football League to try and push a move through, despite the Shrimpers remaining under a transfer embargo.

“Our chief executive Steve Kavanagh is ferreting away with the Football League to try and make the move happen and I think it’s very, very close to going through now,” said Brown.

“Gomis is someone who has been with us in training for a while and he’s done well in the behind closed doors matches he’s played in.

“If we could bring him in before the weekend it would give us all a huge boost, especially as we will be missing a couple of key midfield players at Chesterfield.”

The Shrimpers will be without Ryan Leonard, who has a hamstring injury, and the suspended Will Atkinson for the clash at the Proact Stadium.

And Brown is certain they will both be missed.

“We’ve missed Ryan in the last few games and being without Will now as well is a big blow,” said the Southend chief.

“Will’s attitude and his fitness are both fantastic and he has that bit of quality too.

“But hopefully we can bring Gomis in in time and he can add another string to our bow in the midfield.”

If Bedsente is to figure against the Spireites then Southend must complete the deal before 12 noon today.

However, if the transfer fails to happen then Blues will still be able to field a strong midfield with Michael Timlin, Marc Laird and Conor Clifford all likely to figure.

“We’re well blessed in terms of midfielder but I just think Gomis would bring something different to the party,” Brown added.